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Tuesday, 27 October 2015

Kate in Orla Kiely for Visit to Chance UK's Early Intervention Programme

The Duchess of Cambridge visited Islington Town Hall to learn more about Chance UK's early intervention programme today.

Crowds gathered before Kate's arrival.

Lesley Seary Twitter Feed

Kensington Palace said: "This engagement reflects the Duchess of Cambridge's particular interest in early intervention programmes, which provide specialist support to children and families at the earliest opportunity, to prevent the development of more serious problems in the future."

Chance UK mentors and staff use a solution-focused approach to grow a child's strengths, build their self esteem, and find positive alternatives to their challenging behaviour that could otherwise result in anti-social or criminal offending in later life.

The charity's objectives include: introducing more safety and stability into children's lives; directly addressing the difficulty experienced by each child and family; reducing isolation and nurturing children's sense of self worth. If you wish to find out more or donate please click here.

Below, Islington Hall where the event was hosted.

Chance UK

The charity has been incredibly excited ahead of the royal visit and the team were turning the town hall council chamber into a playroom over the past couple of days.

Chance UK

The Duchess gained an introduction to the charity's child mentoring programme. It works with children aged five to eleven who are at risk of developing anti-social or criminal behaviour, providing weekly one-to-one mentoring with a trained adult volunteer. These sessions work towards achieving defined goals that are specific to each child's needs, directly addressing the difficulties each child is experiencing.

The visit offered Kate an overview of the charity's work by meeting a selection of children enrolled on the Chance UK scheme, along with their parents and mentors.

Kate then attended a reception celebrating the work of the charity and met staff and supporters.

Kate chatted about her recent visit to the Natural History Museum with George. More from the Mail Online:

'Meeting the young people inside Islington Town Hall where the charity began 20 years ago, Kate sat down with Carl Goddard 10 from Haringey and his mentor Claire Butler, 29.

Carl showed Kate a picture of him at the Natural History Museum with a fox and said: 'She was telling me that she took George to the Natural History Museum.' Claire added: 'She said that George was more interested in a pigeon they found there rather than all the amazing exhibits.

'Carl told her about the fox that he saw and she was interested in that.'Carl said: 'I was a bit nervous (to meet her) but when I got my first word out it felt normal. I like coming to Chance and it's helped me to try new things out. I've started to try out new things, for example sushi. 'I was telling her (Kate) about what a good mentor should have.'

The Duchess revealed she would love to have special powers.

'Kate also sat down with Faith Buchanan, who is nine next week, and her mentor Elizabeth Little, 33, and saw the picture Faith had drawn and cut out of a princess during a trip to the Museum of Childhood. Written on the back were qualities Faith thought a princess should have, which caused Kate some amusement.

Faith said: 'On the back I've written about a princess. Elizabeth added: 'We pointed out one of the qualities is special powers and she said she wished she had special powers.'

Faith said: 'We were talking about insects and she said George likes them.'Elizabeth said: 'She said George's favourite was the ladybird. It was amazing to meet her, Faith did all the talking, she was great and (the Duchess) was really interested in the charity.'She seems very interested in early intervention, which is what the charity does. It's great that she's able to come here and learn more about the work we do.'

Kate shared a joke with Kensington after a private meeting with him where they discussed his experiences of being mentored at ten.

The Duchess repeated an Orla Kiely dress she first wore back in 2012 for an engagement with Charles and Camilla at the Dulwich Picture Gallery.

The grey dress has black floral motif at the neck, three-quarter sleeves and a pleated skirt. It comes from the designer's Autumn 2011 Collection.

Orla Kiely

Kate wore her hair in a pretty ponytail and accessorised with her Annoushka pearls.

Also today, the Duchess was photographed at the Natural History Museum on Tuesday wearing a black top, her Zara trousers and new black flats. It was a lovely look and great to see her enjoying an outing with George. Following the letter from Kensington Palace, I've decided not to publish pap shots of George and Charlotte. If Kate is photographed with them I'll review it on a case by case basis, or publish a pic of Kate without the kids in it. Many thanks for your understanding!

We'll see you tonight for the glamorous 100 Women in Hedge Funds gala. Do you all have any style predictions for Kate? A repeat or a new gown?

Love this dress! It's very professional with some personality - exactly what I love to see Kate in!

I'm thinking a repeat of a dress we haven't seen in a couple years (maybe the Red Beulah or green McQueen), just styled differently - much like today's dress. Amazing what a change of hairdo can do for an outfit!

I thought a lot of Kate's dresses from this time period were great and I've been wondering when we'd see them again. I'm thinking repeat for tonight. Hopefully, something with a restyle to keep it fresh.

I had always been hopefull that she would dig in her wardrobe from time to time. I mean.. this is the woman who has repeated 12 year old dresses and 6 year old hats :) And that's even clothes she saved since BEFORE she was a royal. So I wouldn't be surprised if she will continue wearing some clothes 20 years from now if she keeps in the same good shape as her mum. Hopefully her 20 year old repeats will be better chosen than Annes :) But it wouldn't surprise me.

Another fantastic project that will benefit from Kate's support. She really is carving out a niche for herself in supporting some fantastic children's charities. Really loving the new hairstyle, I think it's given Kate a more youthful, trendy look and makes the most of her fabulous hair.

Much better than yesterday! In my opinion she should repeat more looks from 2012 because to me that was the last year I loved most of her looksAnd in glad she's wearing her hair up today!Hopefully today isn't the last time we see her for weeks she needs to get out of that habit of doing some enegaments then disappearing for three weeksGood look today!Sarah usa

Kate's makeup is finally not so dark! Yay! It looks much better and younger in my opinion. Also, it's good that she repeated a dress, and I think it's a nice look. Charlotte, thanks for the amazing coverage of the last few days, there's so many events going on, it's been a treat! Also, the new picture of George and Kate is so cute <3 I really wish we could see Princess Charlotte soon. Excited for tonight's gala, didn't love yesterday's look so kind of hoping this one is better.

Oh yay! A reapeat of that cute dress! Very nice choice! And I love the ponytail! I love that dress. It's very sweet without getting too girly! Nice to see it again! I have to say. I love the little "twirl" at the end of the ponytail. A nice touch! Looking closer I think it might even be resudue locks from last night!

I really like the focus she has taken on early intervention. It's so important! I had started noticing traces of it earlier with her choice of patronages, but it's getting more obvious now and you can see a clear progression in it. I'm looking forward to what's to come!

As for tonight, I hope she repeats the green McQueen she wore when sick with George!

With every new engagement Kate looks better and better. And I don't mean only her dress and haircut, but mostly her confidence. Good to see she returns to form. And this combination of her dress, haircut and accessories works really well. She looks better than at older picture.

I loved this dress back in 2012, and I love it even more now, especially with her hair pulled back in a soft ponytail. As you pointed out, Charlotte, it shows off the black floral motif better with her hair off her shoulders. The look today was perfect, and how she managed to look fresh and bright, after a late night, is a wonder. What a wonderful group this is, mentoring children early, who are at risk for behavior problems later. I am looking forward to seeing her tonight. She probably will recycle a gown, since she has been wearing quite a few new outfits of late. Do you remember one of the first gowns she wore back in 2011. It was to the first event they attended, after their wedding. The dress had a metallic look, and was a pale pink. It was just stunning. I wish she had worn that one last night to the premiere. Just a thought :)

I love when the Duchess wears "old" pieces during these events: we can focus more on the work of the charities she supports rather than her outfits :)This dress is one of my favourites, I like when she wears something she has had in her wardrobe since 2012, we can see how her "body has changed". She's more mature now, I don't know how to say it properly!I saw a photo of Rebecca Deacon, she was so beautiful too. Her style is more "businesswoman" even if she always wears something which reminds my of Kate's style. I can't wait to see The Duchess tonight. I love when Kate has lots of engagements in a week, it's always a pleasure to see her work :)

LOVE! Really like this dress, it's the kind of thing I'd wear back when I worked for a Big 4 Accounting firm - conservative but with flair. Although I probably would have paired oxblood shoe/purse with it, just my thing :). But the black suede works great for her.

Her hair looked absolutely fantastic. Makeup, jewelry - all very polished, professional and perfect.

Wow, we are getting so much of Kate. I'm still marveling and contemplating the one outfit, look and event and the next is up and tonight we have another engagement. This is fun! I like this dress :-) and I'm happy she recycled it. It is amazing to see how much Kate has changed comparing the two photo's from the previous time she wore this dress. For starters she uses much less make-up. What makes me most happy is the fact that Kate seems to be happy - she is natural, engaging, laughing and her and William's interaction is beautiful to see. Go Kate...whatever we think...you are doing something right...you are treasuring yourself, your family and your life and you are carving out a role and a focus for yourself as a young royal. Inspiring.

P.S. It was the ARC Charity event, and their first public appearance as a married couple. The dress was Jenny Packham, from her 2011 Spring/Summer Collection, and Kate looked positively gorgeous. She just knocked it out of the park.

I am so excited to see this dress come back! It was one of my favorites from the 2012 year! She looks stunning in it per the norm and I have to agree the ponytail is a great touch. Cannot wait to see photos from tonight. I predict a repeat gown since we've seen two new ones this week. Great coverage as always Charlotte! I always love learning about the various charities Kate supports!

Kate looks great! Understandably a wee tired but nothing that a swipe of lipgloss needed. I love her hair in this upswept ponytail. What are the white filaments on the left side of her hair? Can't wait until this evening.

Love this dress. Very youthful especially with the ponytail. Very appropriate for the visit. I predict a repeat gown for tonight,would love to see the gold sequined dress Kate wore to the Tusk Ball shortly after Prince George was born

I love love love this dress, she looks beautiful, and what a great cause! In the photograph from 2012, the Duchess looks a lot younger - did she perhaps used to use Botox? I find it hard to believe she could have aged so much in three years... I know stress does a number on the body, so could parenting be taking a toll? I still think she is absolutely beautiful, and I don't mean to diminish her current looks, the difference is just noticeable.

I think her HG might have taken a huge toll on her body, hence the faster ageing. Getting that exhausted and dehydrated is bound to show. So that + normal ageing has probably done it's work. She's still stunning, and her smile is as awsome as ever :)

She was a smoker and of course still loves the sun. Those two combined are probably the worst things you can do for and to your skin. Personally I think she's aging normally, maybe it's just looking at photos from different years that makes the difference stand out to some.

Just so all you young women know :) take care of your skin! You may not think you need it now, but what you do in your 20's and 30's will show up in your 40's and 50's, the good and the bad! Proper skin care and pampering will pay off, you'll all be thanking me for this in 20 years :)

I'm a big fan of this dress - it's professional yet fun and could easily move from office to evening (if I were purchasing it for myself!). You could potentially mix it up with different belts as well...

My guess is for a "repeat" gown tonight since she wore a bespoke last night. But I guess we will see soon :)

I loved this look, particularly her hair. It's been looking just a bit too long and heavy for my taste, but here it is to young and bouncy and different. Really flattering! I also liked her dress, the fact that we could see it without a coat. I liked the details at the neckline and the pleated skirt. Again, just different enough to be fun, whilst totally appropriate as well. Great look.

I too love the ponytail with the dress, that neckline is too pretty to hide, even if it is hidden by those enviable tresses. I could never predict what she will wear but I would love to see her in Look 18 from the Alexander McQueen Pre Fall 2015 Collection http://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/pre-fall-2015/alexander-mcqueen/slideshow/collection#18. After seeing her in that purple Dolce & Gabbana, I want to see more of her in this hue> Thanks again for such a lovely post, I look forward to your posts as much as I did Christmas morning as a kid

I'm thrilled to see this repeat because this Orla Kiely is one of my absolute favorites. Although I appreciatevand admire the fabric of yesterday's dress there is no comparison in style between the two . This dress is timelessly elegant and flatters her figure so well. Her ponytail is beautiful and lets us see the pretty design detail around her neck this time. Last night and today are the only times I have liked the new fringe. Her makeup is photographing too pale but in person I think it would be flawless looking.

As far as tonight, I'm 50/50 on whether there will be a new dress or not. We have seen so many new things that I think we just might see another tonight. I think it would be Temperley again. Repeats that I would not be disappointed to see are the pink shimmery Temperley worn for the ARK gala, the lilac McQueen or the silver one shouldered grecian inspired Temperley.

This is a cute dress, and Kate looks great. I do agree that the outfit is better with her hair up. As much as I would like to see Kate in new and beautiful outfits for every appearance, I think it's great for girls to today to have a role model like Kate. She's someone who takes pride in her appearance, but seemingly is not obsessed by it, as so many stars today are. She seems pretty down to earth (at least as much as a princess can be) and thank goodness for that!

I'm with you, Charlotte - I also prefer Catherine's hair up to show the floral embellishment of this dress. :o) I've liked most of what the Duchess has worn in the past weeks, some not so much, but my main reasons for visiting your blog are the great information and the fact that I just like Catherine! :o)

I'm impressed with Catherine's commitment to addiction and mental health issues, especially in children. Having lived with a sister afflicted with some of those same issues, I applaud the attention the Duchess brings to the various organizations, through her public engagements and her behind the scenes work. Anything that can be done to help erase the stigma surrounding people who suffer from mental health and/or addiction gets my full support!

I truly think that Catherine is doing exactly what she's supposed to be doing, especially being there for her children. I'm biased, having had the blessing of being a stay at home mom till my kids entered preschool, but believe that Catherine's main objective at this point is raising two well rounded and well grounded children. Bottom line: if the Queen wanted our Duchess at more public engagements, it would be done.

Thank you x 1000, Charlotte, for the wonderful, detailed, quick-as-a-wink fast, sublime posts over the last month! I've said it before and I'll say it again: you are simply the best!

Julie, love and agree with all your words above. I have been really impressed with William and Kate's choice of patronages and focus on mental health issues, especially with children. I really commend them for all the work (at engagements and behind the scenes) and attention brought to the charities they have chosen. WTG Will and Kate! I know there are many people who have been and who will be changed from your efforts and attention!

Love your comments, Julie, and agree with them all, especially seconding you in admiring Catherine for backing the cause of children getting the help they need in many ways. Also, I loved this dress the first time and still do today.

Thanks for the quick post Charlotte. I liked this dress back in 2012 and really like it now that we can see all of the detailing with her hair up. The look is much better today, although I didn't care for the earrings. But that is being picky.

It has been such a great time these last weeks seeing Catherine so much on her engagements that it seems like 08 Nov is a long time off. I hope something else will be added to her calendar soon. Looking forward to the gala tonight.

Love, love, LOVE her hairstyle here! Absolutely perfect for this event. Looks like she's putting some body and curl into it vs. just hanging straight and lank. I'm not a fan of this dress and wasn't the first time she wore it, I don't think it flatters either in color, style or cut. Just kind of "meh." But good on her for recycling and an acceptable ensemble for this particular time and place. And good on YOU, Charlotte, for having this post up so soon!!

I like this dress the first time I saw it. The flower details and pleated skirt are playful. Tonight, while I'd like to see her always in something new - I'm not sure the event calls for something new. So my money is on a repeat tonight and maybe she'll wear the McQueen Emerald green dress that she wore at the 2012 BBC Sports Awards.

I ADORE this dress, and the princess in it! I am smitten with her blue gown from the movie premiere! She looked fabulous in the red gown at the state dinner! She is knocking it out of the park and giving her adoring fans some real ogling opportunities. Just wonderful, Kate!

This dress has always been a favourite of mine... But look how gorgeous she looked back in 2012... Now she looks so washed out. Take a time and please, compare the photographs... Then you'll know what I'm talking about.

Charlotte have you decided not to publish the photo of Kate & George at the museum? Your decision obviously, but might be nice since she referenced the visit so pointedly.

I personally don't have a problem with it, the museum is the very definition of a public spot with (by their estimate) about 5 million visitors a year. But I know people disagree quite vehemently on this!

Again, why I believe the KP letter was too broad and is only making everyday people feel bad when there's no reason. It starts by talking about "harassment & surveillance" of paps stalking George for profit, and repeats that throughout letter, but then also says "unauthorized photos" or "photos taken without their permission" --- I think if people are at a public museum and see their future Queen and a future King, it's quite alright to take a photo of them. I suspect every person reading this blog would do the same :)

There is a difference between public venue and public engagement. The museum trip with mother and sonwas a private activity in a public place. Not every possible action is covered by law. Some things are just amatter of good taste and consideration. The couple have spoken of their new baby, too. Does that mean weshould be privy to photos taken at her birth? Future being the key word. Future monarch. Even then, I doubt pictures would be taken of the Queen makinga private visit. Photos of HM and children were planned ahead and posed. I don't think tecnology advancesshould justify abandonment of common courtesy.

This has always been a favourite dress for me. Professional with some personal flair.I've been meaning to buy something similar. I loved that the hair style is quite possibly a residual effect if last night's updo. It makes Kate more human to me. I know I've done that several times in my life!

I would love to see a repeat tonight; the green McQueen or silver Temperley.

As for the event itself, I have said it before and I'll say it again: royals championing youth mental health means more awareness and knowledge, which leads to more funds, which then leads to improved support for our most vulnerable. It's a great cycle!

Big improvement on yesterday's offering, I know there was talk of the Queen suggesting lower hemlines but it's fairly obvious this length is so much more flattering on Kate. Both the blue dress yesterday and the red one we saw at Wimbledon have to be my least favourite that she has worn and I now know it's the length at which they sit on her.Hair and length of dress so much more youthful on her almost reminds me of her earlier engagements after the wedding when she almost always got it right.

Love it all, especially the lighter day makeup although she could have done with a little colour on her lips.

Just a couple of small things I noticed that could be a little better, maybe! I think she needs to update her SW suede pumps they are looking a little tired. I think she could possibly benefit by having maybe another black day clutch just for variety. Lastly I wish when her hairdresser refreshed her hair after another event that she would take a little care, you could see some of the bobbypins in her hair and it could have been neater, but I really like her hairstyle today!

Although I totally understand why Kate does her events in blocks, sometimes, especially when she has a day event following an evening one I think she looks tired. Although in this instance I thought she looked very fresh compared to other times. Really looking forward to seeing her again tonight, I'm guessing she will repeat a dress as she has worn a number of new dresses recently. I would also love to see the beautiful blush pink sequined Jenny Packham dress she wore to the ARK Gala Dinner in 2011 - that was a stunning gown.

Regarding pap pics, I've decided not to publish shots of George and Charlotte following KP's letter. We have always posted the occasional candid of Kate and that will continue. If Kate is with the kids I'll review it on a case by case basis and most likely use an image with just Kate in it. Many thanks for your understanding!

she can afford the best protein, etc. She has a cook. She has childcare. She has a home gym.For inspiration, she knows she is married to a man a lot of worn still want to be with, and she knows she is the most photographed woman in the world and that isn't going to change. Plus she has designers at her door and a wardrobe full of fun clothing. It still takes determination, but these things certainly help.

Kate looks lovely here! I've always liked this dress. I don't think it's her hair that ages her - I really like the hairstyle. I am actually beginning to think that she really is quite thin. And I've never said it before, even though we know she wasn't this size before the wedding. But as Kate get's older you can really see it in her face, and she looks much older than she is.

I agree that Kate's confidence is growing and her personality is shining through. She's not afraid to laugh and enjoy the lighter moments of the job. This is something I love about Maxima, and I see it in Kate...more and more.

And yes to Charlotte's question...definitely prefer the dress with her hair up! :)

I loved this dress when Kate wore it in 2012 and love it just as much today! Beautiful! I agree with you Charlotte that I like the look better today with Kate's hair up. I always like Kate's hair in a ponytail. Love to hear the children's comments from meeting Kate. She is obviously a natural with children and you can tell by her expressions she enjoys time with them. So very sweet! Can you imagine how excited they must have been to meet her? :) Looks to have been a great day for everyone!

Early intervention, absolutely! Like the dress. Nice working dress. Kate must be getting tired......it's so hard leave your children behind....Yes, I know most of us do have too but, for some of us it's not easy. It wasn't for me.

I know. I took my son to a Mother's Day out program via promoting from friends. The first day when my son started crying because I was leaving, I burst into tears also and waited in the car until the ladies told me he had stopped crying. That went on for about three days. :)

I'm so glad she decided to wear this dress again, I was just thinking about it the other day. It goes in my Top 10 favourite Kate Dresses of all time. It's fabulous. The cut is perfect for her figure. Her hair up is way better and lovely. I'm still not sure of the colour, wishing she'd go back to her darker, more natural colour.

I'm still sobbing about how Kate can fit into a dress from 3 years ago after having a baby and I, well......cannot. But back to my comment. I LOVE her hair up! Not quite sure why this time I find it so beautiful and the dress is fun yet still formal. I like she's not wearing her hair down ALL THE TIME because it looks equally gorgeous up.

I've been the regular reader of the blog though I've never commented before. Maybe it's high time to do it? :) Thank you for blogging, I love visiting the page and finding out something new about the Cambridges.

I wonder when the Palace will release some photos of George and Charlotte. I would be nice to see them :)

I know this probably isnt the right place but seeing that pic of Charles so happy with Kate...Id love to see a pic of him holding Charlotte. It probably isnt done in British upper class. But man I think that it would be a great PR thing.

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